By By Lowell McGill
We called it Chemstrand back in the early days of its operation. It was only a short drive from Atmore and all those employees from here found it was a pleasant drive to a wonderful place to work.
Their salaries were mostly higher than other factory jobs and their retirement benefits were surpassed by none.
It later became known as Monsanto, then Solutia.
But, something happened. Those glory days began falling apart and now there is only a scarce work force at this once popular plant.
I really don’t know the present situation down there now but I do remember when it was in its infancy.
From 1954-56 the sounds of saws, hammers, nailing could be heard all over Atmore as new homes were being built. And, most of those homes would be inhabited by neighbors from surrounding counties who were employed by Chemstrand. They moved here and made their homes here. Yes, Atmore became a “central’ location for these families. They became a part of Atmore. And, now, many of them are retired and enjoy excellent “pensions” from this firm that we called Chemstrand-Monsanto – Solutia.
During my college days and working at WATM weekends and summers, I often poked my head out the rear door of that East Craig Street location listening to the sounds of home construction. There were no stores, homes or hospital in that area at that time, only pine trees and a dirt road which is now Medical Park Drive.
It’s really a shame that Chemstrand got ‘caught up in the times”. I understand only a handful of workers now are employed at this once progressive institution.
But, Atmore can be proud of all those who moved here back then and who are still here today. I am proud to say some of my close friends are among those former employees. I am sure they, too, reminisce of those days when they made that forty minute drive to work.
Looking now a couple of emails this past week, Crystal McDonald said she remembered the Diana Shop when she lived here at the age of six. Mary Lassiter wrote wanting to know where the Kenwin Shop was located back in 1973. Perhaps you can help her as I am not familiar with this business.
Taking a look at some news from 1973, Murray Johnson became president of the Atmore Little and Babe Ruth Leagues. And, even today, he is still the leading figurehead in what is now Cal Ripkin youth sports.
Other officers included Tony Albert-Vice President; Terry Jones-Secretary; Willie Bruce McKenzie- VP Babe Ruth; Cliff Frazier-Player Agent Babe Ruth; Jerald Jaye-VP Major League; James Burkett-VP Minor League and Gerald Davidson-Player Agent Minor League.
The LL Ladies Auxiliary was spearheaded by Babs Davidson. Others in that organization included Anita Flowers-First VP; Jean Johnson- Second VP; Ruth Reed-Treasurer; Clara O’Farrell- VP Babe Ruth; Oleda Steege-VP Major League and Sara Collins- VP Minor League.
Wow, what a wonderful group of dedicated people. They gave much of their time so that our youngsters could enjoy competing in baseball. Many are indebted to this group. Without their services some young men would have never been able to play college baseball. Can you imagine college baseball scholarships saving families thousands of dollars? Several families, including mine, have reaped these rewards due of the efforts of these and other fine civic leaders.
In some more news from 1973, Docia Lyons received a special award from the American Christmas Seal association for outstanding leadership in this organization.
Lawrence Welk drew many from here to a concert in Mobile. The popular orchestra included south Alabama on its nationwide tour that year.
Well, there was possibly some good news aired this week about Amtrak. A governmental commission on passenger trains indicated there may be a return of the Amtrak route from Florida to New Orleans, including stops in Atmore. An announcement is expected soon on the possibility of this famous train returning to Atmore. I am sure this would come as welcome news to Jerry Geyman, who is our authority on trains. Perhaps, he will receive the announcement in advance and let us all know the results of the committee’s decision.
Finally, my late friend Everett White would be happy to know that the Alabama House of Representatives this week allowed a bill that would establish a veteran’s cemetery in Spanish Fort. Everett, the former Splinterhill resident who passed away two years ago, was one of the main leaders voicing the need for such a cemetery in the old Blakely State Park on Alabama 225.
Next week we will tell you about more events, people and places in the year 1973.
Lowell McGill is a historical columnist for The Atmore Advance. He can be reached at exam@frontiernet.net